A FLORENCE + THE MACHINE CHRISTMAS CAROL, 2010
Here as I blog in West Hollywood this Christmas I am thankful that we have freedom of expression and freedom of speech in America.
Finally, I have recovered from a dirty martini hang over from two nights ago at a Hollywood Hills Christmas party. I like olives, so always get it wrong when I see them in a festive glass. I only had two martinis, but they were good ones! The relief of not having a Bellevedere voddie headache today is awesome, yet the respite is short lived when today I look at the news and I see that people are being persecuted in Iran for being different.
People are not allowed to have a Christmas this year. Those who want to are detained, some are behind bars, some will be martyred for their Christian faith in 2010!!! That’s insanity. (more…)
WATER ROYALTIES THIS CHRISTMAS
To give the gift of clean drinking water to make a difference to a billion people who need it, click on this pic–to not be a fruitcake stuck in the past these festive holidays.
The world’s true royalty is anyone conscious enough to make water flow. This one fact, determines the baseline flow of all human rights in this world.
Because you all rock… Love ya! :)
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 12.19.10~
MAORI ON GOOGLE BOOKS! – ALREADY I HAVE ISSUES WITH GOOGLE LABS – BOOKS NGRAM VIEWER
[AI suggestion - perhaps NGRAM needs to go back to the chalk board phase]
If I was naive enough to believe Google’s “Books Ngram Viewer” that claims to count words based on 5 million published books and track their trends in terms of amount of times words appear in books (quantitative research), the Maori people of New Zealand would not fare well. The results would have me rehashing that archaic dead-end term, “racism” asap. Maori don’t like doing that in this enlightened age. It does not get people very far, because it immediately casts Maori in the light of having to drive a car fueled by ‘white man’s guilt.’ When you drive on whenua (land) that has tar seal put on it and called a “road,” that would be too much “irony” for a Maori to handle in any given day. Besides, why should we? That’s something that would appeal as a college student. The past is healing.
The tracking tool claims (my search conducted between years 1920 and 2008) that the word “Maori” peaked as a topic of interest in books in the year of 1978 (aprox). Since then it’s plummeted and currently, the usage of the word Maori is as low as its status listed in 1950 findings that’s given in the little graph that pops up. Already, this NGRAM Viewing tool of Google is capable of starting civil wars. I don’t like it much at all so far.
Being scientific, with heart and soul – this means: a) Maori are extinct again – a typical ‘pseudo-scientific’ finding (yawn!) Maori have learned to ignore since being able to read maps – but this time in a literary sense.
Already this supposedly revolutionary tool of technology is spitting out results generating ‘information’ that is rather boring quite frankly in my humble opinion. I say this because such ‘information’ has been so done TO DEATH already! (more…)
JAMIROQUAI SINGS OF VIRTUAL INSANITY
An empty chair for Liu Xiaobo led to this performance of Virtual Insanity by angsty kid of the dance-lounge world Jamiroquai at the Nobel Peace Prize Awards this year.
Of course, one nation’s vision of heaven or a paradise could be another nation’s version of a complete nightmare, perhaps indicating that more cross-cultural dialogue on deeper and profound levels (other than lip service revealed in leaked cables to be just that) is needed in the world to find a medium of peace from each nation to another. The greatest virtual insanity of all–is to not find a meeting place or a bridge to talk equally on–one to another.
Where is that bridge? There is a lot of work to be done in finding that concerning the human rights of all people in all nations of the world. Not one nation has a squeaky clean human rights record, if we all are honest–so we can’t be children and just project all of our own self-righteousness of ‘status’? in the world, on one nation like China. It requires more work to be done in finding the center for all people on human rights issues. We also must remember that if China was not humane on many issues–this nation would not have loaned so much money to the USA over the years, to assist the American government to be able to be more humane to fellow Americans with that loaned money. In addition, the American government would not have accepted the loans either if they did not think China was okay. Every issue has a perspective from many different angles to consider before we throw stones.
Back to Jamiroquai–this group was always one of my favs growing up in college. They were just off the wall quircke. Enjoy.
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 12.12.10~
THE HORIWOOD TOP TEN – TUE 12.7.10
Transparency is like refined gold, it has to be earned, tested with trust. So, I like people who endeavor to display a transparent spirit as leaders who serve the best interests of all, hence this quote running on this blog: ”In my time as Prime Minister I have tried to push for greater transparency, and we are happy to have an independent body overseeing expenses and entitlements for MPs [politicians], says New Zealand’s leader from Wellywood/ Wellington,”John Key 3 News. Information is like water flow. It often doesn’t flow to the right people who need to have it. Knowledge equals power. Africa needs water. What do we do this knowledge?
Transparency is good in any sincere culture but discretion is a part of wisdom too: ‘Do not let the left hand know what the right hand is doing… Be as wise as a serpent and as harmless as a dove… A wise man conceals a matter.’
Often people who expect others to be transparent are not themselves–so good men and naturally transparent people–are forced to be wise and manage their own information about themselves, like a cultural taonga of New Zealand belonging to the collective people of Aotearoa New Zealand. Each nation is a knowledge farm of fruitful minds.
Here in America, today - Shiloh Jolie-Pitt has already worked out what her parents do and wants to follow in their footsteps already as a performer turning out a show. “Shi’Bouncy” couldn’t be happier with her baseball bat and military attire as mother Angelina Jolie, sister Zahara and Maddox go to Lee’s Art Store themselves in Manhattan, New York to shop before they imagine and create as artists. Too cute. This family is on the attack today from haters not in Jolie’s league, or, all of her children either. Love it. Maddox Jolie-Pitt has been a star longer than many people claiming to be celebs today. He was born this way. A star.
Jolie’s statement today could be–Our best art, is serving our children, to be informed by their worldview, creating their art. In any culture, isn’t that always the truth.
Hollywood entertainment and celebrity news on a sad day where the much admired Elizabeth Edwards died, looks like this as voted by you today worldwide. Thanks people.
1. Elizabeth Edwards‘ People Magazine cover
2. Melbourne’s Daniel Assange talks dad’s “audacious awesomeness”
3. Kim Kardashian for W Magazine
4. Gylne Tider‘s weird Let it Be art is tres poignant-o
5. Entitled Chelsea Handler goes gunning for herself and Jennifer Aniston
6. Sataying – Top Chef’s Padma Lakshmi & Caroline Artiss
7. Steph Koutsimanis-Smith enjoys the New Zealand Beach Life
8. Art: Indio Downey buys a John Courage Amber beer poster
9. John Barrowman of Scotland can kinda sing
10. Julian Assange for Time Magazine‘s cover man
[Images courtesy of Gog.Org.NZ and Splash]
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 12.7.10~
PENSION PROMISE FOR ELDERLY KIWI? YES!
Pensioners have been promised their superannuation pension from 65 years of age onwards in New Zealand. They won’t have to wait until 67 by some mean person penciling a later number on a piece of paper–before they can receive it, and will still be entitled to receive their pension at 65 years of age.
That’s if New Zealand’s current Prime Minister John Key gets in a second term with his National government party. As Mr Key has no fair competition at the minute opposing his lead–because most New Zealanders are happy with his bright spark leadership, this is a good sign for grey power in New Zealand. Go here to read the story.
I think any society who looks after their children, elderly and families–is seriously humane and rocking. A nice story in this day and age.
[Here's a shot of The Queen Mother - as a reminder why grey power are so important in The World. Who can forget her smile! or her roguish great grandkids, Prince Harry Windsor being one, organizing Snoop Dogg bachelor parties either? Too funny.]
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 12.7.10~
30 HUMAN RIGHTS ARTICLES OF THE FREE WORLD
Nelsen Mandela’s Key as Art for Human Rights Honorees and Advocates of the World
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights – United Nations Website
PREAMBLE
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,
Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom. (more…)
CASSIUS CLAY’S “IN YOUR FACE TEE SHIRT” FOR BASKETBALL GAMES AND RUGBY FOOTBALL TRAINING SESSIONS
Looking after Hollywood’s future box office stars, with unique stories for the world, for California economy’s interests is what this blog post is about. Keeping such stars alive, could prove to be a challenge–hence this post.
Wow! Cassius Clay‘s In Your Face official tee shirt, in military khaki green issue, would make a great tee shirt to wear to basketball hoop games on the local block of Australia with mates or at rugby football, rugby league matches and Aussie rules football practice too each week.
I discovered it, on this post about innocent Australian young fella Daniel Assange of Melbourne. Go here to buy it for $19..99 to impress your friends and family, and make your hood a little bit more colorful and fun–like how a community of sporting champions, roll and celebrate cool people.
Daniel’s precious life and youthful potential is currently being threatened and bullied when he’s an innocent Australian young person of the world. Shocking stuff! This tee shirt is very relevant in New Zealand and Australia right at this second as well as All-ways Being relevant in American hoods and South Africa hoods too equally any day of the year. It’s a symbol of greatness and fairness, apparently.
26 CONSONANTS AS SYMBOLS THAT DEFINE MEANING, AND GOOGLE’S POWER OBSESSION TO OWN THE WAY THEY ARE USED
A consonant’s single power to define, reorder meaning in a collective of consonants–and who owns their arrangement in “words” that form “meaning” to create “laws” that protect and privilege certain people over others, in “books” or corporate or government “notes” and leaked “documents”– is the top trend in the world today–this week. It’s all about information sharing of consonants and written symbols today as collected via computer technology–and who has a right to “distribute” these consonants arrangement on a data file or printed page (being digitalized) to fellow human beings, supposedly deeply affected by these “words” and “consonants” arrangement and ordering of expression.
Are letters (written consonants/ symbols of a few people) more important than the lives of the majority of people?
Do we worship the iconography of our own words and their protection more so than lives being lost every second?
Do consonants really determine Freedom? Or, is freedom shared in the spirit of brotherhood worldwide — bigger and more spiritual than written consonants alone devoid of human bodies, flesh, blood, melanin and bone and breath–transcending the limitations of just the letter of the law? I think the true essence and meaning of Liberty is. Living words are always so much more what we all serve. Or should. Not death words or death systems words for the majority of people on the planet.
Which is why I think a war of data distribution “ownership” and “protection of certain peoples words over another’s” or “exclusion of some peoples words from finding other peoples eyes and ears too” is a little silly.
It reeks of entitlement of a few–and that’s an archaic model that isn’t serving the majority of peoples interests in the world today in many political systems. The world is changing –keep UP!
I was thinking that with the Wikileaks scandal, with Google’s scanning of every Victorian book ever printed in the 19th Century, and also every book ever printed–that the world is getting a little bit obsessed about owning the 26 consonants of the English language, how they have been used in history, how they are being arranged today–and what meaning these 26 letters can create.
So for all of the power freaks in the world, who want to own all words ever written and printed (with 26 letters of the English alphabet), want to control their distribution, and definitive ‘scientific’ arrangement and meaning–my suggestion is, that perhaps: a) you dropped out of school too young, b) you always wanted to be a writer but never had the talent c) your sibling got more alphabet soup in their plate than you did–because this ‘control obsession’ with data ownership based on ownership of words and symbols of letters is getting a bit ridiculous.
You see, true creativity is a symbol of endless power that is not stuck, static or frozen. Meaning is created by such people that is relevant in any era we all live in.
True creative people create new words all the time, that can never be controlled. Once upon a time, Beyonce in the group Destiny’s Child coined the term “bootylicious” to express an African American form of sexiness in order to bring awareness to her difference and to create space for her peoples’ unique representation in the world. It was a ridiculous word, yet the people decided it wasn’t. The word became a no. 1 hit pop song and is now entered into and included into the English dictionary of globally understood meaning.
[Images from Google Books, home page today, top banner visuals as at 12.5.10]. FYI, I haven’t read one of these books and never once felt the need to. We have amazing authors in New Zealand like Janet Frame and Patricia Grace–all of whose books I haven’t read yet–before these lads writing books would get a look in, to my reading glasses. However, this is who google touts what we should all be reading today. Wow!]
WALLOON KASHMIR- A SPIRIT OF BROTHERHOOD
[Image - Men Fishing, Kashmir, Asia 1998 photo by Steve McCurry for National Geographic]
Thought for today, Walloon Language: Tos lès-omes vinèt-st-å monde lîbes, èt so-l’minme pîd po çou qu’ènn’èst d’leu dignité èt d’leus dreûts. I n’sont nin foû rêzon èt-z-ont-i leû consyince po zèls, çou qu’èlzès deût miner a s’kidûre onk’ po l’ôte tot come dès frés.
Translation: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
(Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
brotherhood: the quality or state of being brothers; fellowship; alliance (Merriam Webster)
an association or community of people linked by a common interest, religion, or trade. (Oxford)
He aha te mea nui i te ao? he tangata. he tangata, he tangata. Ask me, what is the most important thing in the World? It is people. It is people. It is people (Maori Proverb)
Source: Omniglot
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 12.3.10~
PALM TREE WISDOM, COCOANUT GROVE, OSCARS HISTORY 1930′s FOR G20 ECONOMIES WORLD LEADERS
In Oscars Hollywood history, the Cocoanut Grove was the venue celebrating Americans much loved art form of Hollywood’s cinema’s best awards for excellence.
From this image we see a Palm Tree as a symbol of Peace. Whether a palm is found in California, throughout The South Pacific, in Israel or Iran provides a message for us all to ponder as a symbol.
A palm tree grows peacefully in earth’s soil, irrespective of how people draw up maps of territory. Its a very humble tree. It just grows. Its leaves offer shade in extreme heat conditions for people and camels alike. It always signifies that water is found nearby, water being a symbol of life that all growing things need to live. A palm tree’s fruit is eaten by people of Californian, people in Iran or Israel alike. A palm tree does not discriminate. It looks after people equally.
May leaders of the world (G20 Economies Summit leaders included) all have a movie date with Peace, in their hearts concerning the future direction of the world and showing mercy to others, not all that different from ourselves.
This is California’s story in the City of Angels. We are peace messengers in The City of Angels–just like a palm tree is. May the art of peace be the most glorified American art of all and bring forth its fruit in due season.
I think an emphasis on water systems watering people who don’t have it in the world with clean drinking water, would be an intelligent thing of G20 leaders to obsess on at this point in World History. With the existing wealth all G-20 Summit leaders nations have, let’s leak some water these nations way who are without.
That’s smart leadership. Instead of just “World Economy, War Economy,” as buzz words, let’s think “Water Economy” too for all people in the world. A war on lack for the least in the world is what’s needed. That’s true power, to think that way and shows respect for basic human rights in the world.
[Image - courtesy of Vanity Fair]
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.28.10~
JENNIFER HUDSON SINGS WITH A GOOD HEART
Jennifer Hudson was spotted singing in NYC last night, for the Happy Hearts Fund Event.
Nice!
Anyone doing something for others in need is even more pivotal this year than any other year in US history since the 1930′s. Go J-Hud!
The Happy Hearts Fund’s mission is “to improve children’s lives through educational and sustainable programs in natural disaster areas.”
I dig. Do you? If you’ve ever heard J-Hud sing live like I was fortunate enough to here in Los Angeles, the girl seriously moves octaves and mountains with a spirit of hope when she sings. Let’s hope she does for kids of the world needing her, after this performance.
[Top Image courtesy of Splash via Mickey K].
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.22.10~
CHINA’S 29 MINERS ARE RESCUED BAREFOOT IN FLOODED COAL MINE
[Police officers and rescuers help carry a trapped miner with the aid of a stretcher from the mouth of the flooded Batian Coal Mine in Xiaohe town of Weiyuan county in southwest China's Sichuan province Monday, Nov. 22, 2010. Image courtesy of AP Photo for Color China Photo)
A question from Hollywood: Is it right for a dollar sign to rule leader's perceptions of profit driven economies over the lives of people they lead?
Ten things about China's rescue of 29 barefoot trapped coal miners in a flooded mine, watched by over a billion Chinese people (and friends from other nations).
The price of mining in China to human life: 2,600 people plus are killed each year in mining accidents in China. The world's rare earth minerals rich nation, has a dismal work safety record not only in mines but also in factories and on construction sites. This rescue was welcomed by all Chinese workers watching footage of the rescue.
Sichuan Provence Television: All the 29 miners trapped in a flooded coal mine in China's south-western Sichuan province were rescued after a day-long search and rescue mission, state-run television reported on Monday.
How long did the rescue mission take? The process of bringing the 29 trapped miners to the surface lasted almost an hour. 
[This image: black coal dust, on Chinese skin and a white quilt]
VINTAGE MARLON BRANDO, ON THE SET OF MISSOURI BREAKS, 1976
“When they laid down their arms, we murdered them. We lied to them. We cheated them out of their lands. We starved them into signing fraudulent agreements that we called treaties which we never kept. We turned them into beggars on a continent that gave life for as long as life can remember. And by any interpretation of history, however twisted, we did not do right. We were not lawful nor were we just in what we did. For them, we do not have to restore these people, we do not have to live up to some agreements, because it is given to us by virtue of our power to attack the rights of others, to take their property, to take their lives when they are trying to defend their land and liberty, and to make their virtues a crime and our own vices virtues.”–Speech for the Academy Awards protesting the treatment of American Indians, written by Brando courtesy of The New York Times.
| Marlon Brando–as photographed on the set of Missouri Breaks, 1976. |
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.21.10~
MANA ELECTORATE’S BIG DAY – JOHN T AND JOHN KEY ON HEKIA PARATA
In New Zealand, black coal is a visual we associate with trapped miners at Greymouth’s Pike river Kiwi-India joint coal mining venture, mine blast yesterday.
TV commercials and a white chocolate promotion via a Maori schoolgirl, Hinetaapora Short winning a national talent search is also another visual we associate with New Zealand at this time also.
Now, New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key wants us to think blue, his political party’s colors when voting in the Mana Electorate bi-election today. The videos above shows Mr Key and Willie Jackson son of Dame June Jackson pushing hard for National MP candidate Hekia Parata‘s bid. John Tamihere rather humorously (as John bats for the Labour political party) can’t quite bring himself to give Hekia the big tick. He offers a diverse democratic view to the dazzling, Parata steam roll effect of a valuable Maori politician.
From Hollywood, I on the other hand have no problems saying vote YES! for Hekia Parata. She’s a bright light not only for New Zealand but also on many wider human rights issues in the world as well as key areas of trade and negotiations also, with ensuring that the world has the very best New Zealand products at their tables and in their science labs also. I’ve met her, I like her. She’s fun, colorful, interesting, smart and a honey.
Vote Hekia Parata to see change for good in the world. Let’s go Mana! And go Hekia, with thanks also to John T for offering a different political view from New Zealand as well.
Like New Zealand’s Prime Minister on a global stage, already she’s a star. (I know this, because I have a blog and can check globally voted stats 42% of US voters as the main blog audience group and 18% of voters in India too. Hekia resonates with these voters on this entertainment blog from California). It’s very clear to me each day, that Lady Gardiner fascinates the world.
If you’re a star, why be dimmed? Shine brighter. Turn this star up with your vote. Go Hekia and all good women like her.
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.19.10~
ANNE HATHAWAY WILL CO-HOST NOBEL PEACE PRIZE AWARDS CONCERT
Peace is like observing a flower – no matter what color you are, you are still represented and wholly included in observing the labors of nature’s shared beauty, equally.
Anne Hathaway will join Denzel Washington as a co-host of this year’s Nobel peace prize concert in Norway.
This year’s concert will honour jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, winner of the 2010 prize.
Florence and The Machine are in a star line up of performers at this years event. China may not allow Liu Xiaobo’s family to attend the awards. The rules of the awards is that the recipient or their family must be present to receive it. It’s going to be an interesting awards ceremony this year then!
When not one Chinese musician or performer is on the star billing of entertainers, I wouldn’t send anyone from China either to attend. Just saying. We’re so obsessed with ourselves in The West. Why should we frame our sense of Peace against a nation of 1/6th of the World’s people, by accusing them of human rights breaches (subtext: we’re all so superior who are not a part of China’s political system), when we don’t even include or celebrate China’s culture in our Peace Awards show adequately, perhaps indicating our own lusts for identity–framed against “China as absent spectacle of Complex & Different Other, we actually know very little about.”
Just saying. At the moment the Nobel Concert doesn’t look like it’s about Liu Xiaobo or his family or China as a whole, at all. Where exactly is the peace of China being reflected in the organization of this concert or the celebrations of China’s peace? Nada nowhere! Let’s hope that changes, real quick so as not to insult the world’s intelligence. This article written and shared with no offense intended for Anne, Denzel or Florence and friends–but in terms of their representation at this event, their agents really should be having a word. The poor planning makes us Westerners look worse than what we are accusing the Chinese government of. Same thing. Exclusion on many levels.
[Image - living flower, Beverly Hills Library]
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.19.10~
ELISABETTA CANALIS ATTENDS RIPPLE OF HOPE AWARDS
Elisabetta Canalis attended the Ripple of Hope event last night in The Big Apple. Apparently George Clooney went with her. George is always carrying folders of paperwork these days. His new look.
The Ripple of Hope’s manifesto is: ““Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
The Awards recognize those who mentor others with good actions and is an event organized by The Mentor Network.
[Image courtesy of Splash]
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.18.10~
“NATIVE AMERICAN” INDIAN STORE IN THE VALLEY – 11.17.10
The Valley always brings a smile. In right or wrong ways.
Here’s some images of “Native American Indian” Art, right on Ventura Blvd in The Valley, California. More specifically located at The Indian Art Center of California. A shop.
Worth sharing today as a commentary on society in general. There wasn’t a real Indian in sight. Go figure.
My always over-active brain asked the questions: Where are the real Native American Indians at, in Hollywood? And where is the Native American Indian line up of Senators in the American Senate? State Governors too?
Instead, let’s just share these pictures. Do I believe that any “Native American Indian” visual presence is better than none? Yes I do. The rest is up to US –of “the political issues” that these artworks raise awareness of, in modern society. Inclusion vs Exclusion? People in dialogue with landscape and natural resources preservation or not?
I think we need these peoples view in the world, across a lot of government policy-setting and decision-making arenas, don’t you?
By the way, I love The Valley. It can be a fun place. Known to be a little less uptight and snobby, than other parts of Los Angeles. There are a lot of nice people there too.
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.17.10~
CREATING ASIANS IN POP CULTURE IN AMERICA VIA NEW ZEALAND
America hasn’t been forthcoming in providing high profile Asian-American faces in Hollywood texts of entertainment. Why? Who knows.
When needing to broker new markets with either India or China to grow the American economy any Asian faces are worthwhile promoting to show cultural match with these two nations.
Here’s a study of Dan Choi – one of the few Asian-American faces actually allowed to be promoted within America. I’m writing this from Hollywood the weekend that California was successful in brokering a film making partnership with the Indian film industry this week. So at least some gains are being made for America and the economy this week.
If we’re talking about growing Hollywood’s film industry, perhaps Asian action films, as in Bruce Lee proven cross-over film markets appeal, being updated in 3D, are what Hollywood should be seeking to do–to grow the California film industry. Perhaps.
If I was the Governor of California (eg: newly elected Jerry Brown) I would hold meetings with Spielberg and Ang Lee types too and the likes, to suggest California partners with China to remake Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon in 3D, or a movie similar.
As America is too slow, I guess New Zealand filmmakers will have to get on this one instead, to grow the Chinese-Kiwi film industry down under. Actors of the calibre of Yun-Fat Chow and Ziyi Zhang would be very welcome in New Zealand to make their films, I reckon.
Good films with Asian leads should be normal in the world. Asian faces should be seen a lot more than they are in the West. These are my thoughts anyway,blogging today from a humble apartment in Hollywood. Let’s go through bamboo forest in 3D New Zealand–why not?!
With ‘Hollywood Maori King’ Cliff Curtis (a proponent of Mau Rākau traditional Maori martial arts) demonstrating that Maori-Kiwi actors can hold their own in Asian-friendly themed martial arts action films in 3D, there is little risk in this strategy. The film Cliff Curtis last appeared in, The Last Airbender grossed: US$ 121,601,062 domestically within the US and $186,901,861 outside of the US. Or total gross: $318,902,923. Or over one third of New Zealand’s entire Tourism earnings in any given year. Not bad. Which incidentally, is also why Cliff Curtis is still New Zealand’s leading Hollywood Maori King. That’s some box office clout, right there in the future direction of New Zealand cinema in 3D featuring Asians and Asian-American actors and Maori / Kiwi actors too in the leads.
[Image of Dan Choi photographed by Pride Magazine. Image of 3D glasses - sports]
The future’s so bright, we’re all gonna wear 3D Kiwi shades.
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.14.10~
SURVEYING NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT WORKERS ON SALARY, VIA TRIBAL AFFILIATION, PLEASE
A leader is anyone who can help, and who is included to help. At best all leaders serve, regardless of rank, the better of everyone–Rangatiratanga 101.
[Image Dame Whina Cooper, a women who marched for all Maori equally. Her efforts started the legal process where Maori were able to get redress. 35 years later, her own tribe, still hasn't received settlement redress. I don't believe Dame Whina would have minded that actually, because her spirit marched for everyone not just her own family, own hapu (subtribe), or, own tribe. She was a true Kiwi who was fair.
From a historical perspective that's a little odd her tribe is still 'hanging out, waiting patiently in the wings of settlement' of the process though, but never mind, moving forward equally and with democratic fairness then--the key to a stronger New Zealand and its fair economic growth opportunities environment. Read the back story to Dame Whina's amazing actions as one of the greatest human rights leaders the world ever knew, here].
A SURVEY PLEASE: It’s a fact of life, that those close to the government machinery, also tend to be closer to Ministers (Politicians) ears. The whiney wheel often gets oiled. Touche. However–
In the interests of democracy concerning the New Zealand government and policy making and implementation fairly across all Maori iwi (tribes), I believe there’s 75 plus Maori tribes– has anyone commissioned a full survey on Maori employees who draw down a tax-payer funded salary? consultants supplying government with knowledge and key leadership services too–and seen what tribal affiliations they all are from.
One picture of a graph based on this statistical data, would be useful for all Maori to get this picture lodged into our collective skulls. It would say a lot and perhaps Maori and Kiwis could benefit by being provided with that picture, democratically.
Or should this not matter? Or is it no one’s business? As in–who cares?!
It would be interesting though to see if Maori Iwi representation is fair and equal in positions within the New Zealand government so that all tribes are represented in the ‘democratic outworking of government processes’ and are funded equally with paychecks to do this–not only for Maori but also Maori economic growth, and ultimately the growth of all New Zealanders.
AB – AUBERGINE, BABA GANOUSH RECIPE for RUGBY FOOTBALL FANS AND A-LIST AMERICAN CELEBRITIES
A different view: Photoshopped Aubergine featuring the letters, A & B.
If you blog from Hollywood “A” will always stand for Angeles, Angel (a messenger), or, Angelina (Jolie) – a second generation proven Hollywood star and cultural, global treasure of America.
“B” in Hollywood’s current celebrity star system, will always stand for Brad (Pitt)- champion celebrity supporter of the New Orleans Saints football team, who wear a Super Bowl ring. “B” stands for Barack (President Obama, husband of FLOTUS Michelle Obama) and Bill (Clinton) husband of the current US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton or (more current) Canada‘s teen entertainer, Bieber (Justin) or a returning Kawana (Governor) of California, Jerry Brown too.
Of these names listed – American culture is spun, millions of dollars, time, energy, resources, hours and hours and hours of global attention and effort are spent printing, distributing, broadcasting, (watching, viewing, emulating, discussing at office water coolers) any inkling of a sighting or a key message from any one of these names.
As celebrities of entertainment, politics, music, arts and culture – they form a multi-billion dollar industry that generates around them each day. AB people, leading the world – in a metaphor of a (solar) star system, or the particles of an atom. They are the oracles, of a Super Power’s discourse. The artillery (signifiers elect by popular free-choice vote) of a super power’s dominance and culture–imploring the key message of: ‘emulate US’ worldwide. They’re fun people. Fun sells. As celebrities of US culture, I like them all. More often than not, they always bring a smile.
“B” also equals whose got the ball. B is also about what you do for others when you have the ball.
You’re an A-List star in Hollywood when you do A-List worthy things with the ball you hold in your hands for others. Angelina Jolie perhaps sums this up the best, on her humanitarian missions for the UN, to people of the world most needing advocacy. AB is a blood type (like any other, O type for example is too) –the signifier of human life globally–symbolizing the movement of a pulse for the good, across the globe, for people.
Practically speaking though, if you’re from New Zealand and you’re a rugby football enthusiast, AB stands for All Blacks and of them and what they have achieved in sports and what AB’s culture has inspired for human rights records of the World (cf: Nelson Mandela‘s story and human rights, apartheid advocacy via Maori New Zealanders and Kiwis in the documentary films of artist, Merata Mita, one of the most significant filmic artists in the world of all time, who held, focused or directed a camera, in often zero budget filming conditions–yet in a Queenly manner, like Angelina Jolie is now as a debut director, seeing beyond color bars into the heart of genocidal, raping tendencies as a filmic theme)–is only the stuff Hollywood legends are written of and made of. Hence that very long sentence. Sorry ’bout that.
On the other side of the world, in New Zealand, at a significant time in world history as captured on film in Merata’s film, Patu! – AB’s culture helped free a Nobel Peace Prize Winning King, of South Africa. His life story of freedom, is a Kiwi story too. He’s in our hot mix. Maori and Kiwi’s freed him with advocacy also, helping give Nelson his long awaited cup of Liberty in his unique journey of a very long walk to freedom as a now celebrated South Africa icon of the world. When New Zealand play South Africa in rugby, we celebrate our part we play, in his ongoing legacy of freedom. He gave us a challenge, we responded, and that legacy to free others, will always be what we do in rugby country, Middle Earth. It’s a proven gift, a cultural taonga (inner treasure) AB Kiwi-thinkers have, carry, possess, pass on to others when needed for the world.
We instigate the play and the pass of freedom with our actions and instincts, outworked in a teamwork formation. We always have.
AB thinkers and action star-doers, are ‘Humanitarian Messangers of Sport.’ They are down-to-earth and fine Commonwealth people. Their nobility of spirit is defined by a Joe Blogg’s-appearing cloak of humility.
Like any rugby football enthusiast or ‘team work sports’ appreciating Kiwi in the world –The AB’s are our fun heroes. Gladiators of sport, whenever they appear, they symbolize fearless change in a modern world of fiercely contested challenges. New teamwork strategies in play is what they evolve as a science of sport and an art form of globally loved entertainment. They are masters at evolving the game of play and making it better.
Image: Photo-shopped Aubergine (deep purple) appearing as black. Hot image via Freaking News website.
[For a good Baba Ganoush dip recipe, enjoyed by people in the Middle East equally (regardless of geographical borders) and also with people in the Western World too, check out David Bovitz recipe. Pictures are also DB's. Recipe found here].
What’s cooking in your kitchen for the world America? Good things, I trust. Happy cooking, creating, eating, shared and diverse dining. Peace ya’ll! :)
[Below Image: 'Canterbury Kia Mau Training Rugby Ball" courtesy if Ikon Sport].
A and B are two important keys on a King or Queen’s piano’s keyboard. I am not either. I am the “C” key, of Middle Earth (eyes are needed to C), like any try-and-do-some-good Kiwi does, I try and join in too, in and around supporting our rugby footballers to excel in teamwork opportunities that get the best results on and off the field.
Our rugby players are our AB’s stars. The rest of us Kiwi’s – at best, tend to play the “Middle C” key role of Middle Earth – to entertain for a peaceful and productive future of “big hearted” purposes in the world. Baba Ganoush - with pita bread as a change from Latino-staple Corn Chips and Salsa, in this Jerry Brown latino-voted California’s elect future, of political climate change terrain of Hollywood, that I blog from. Exciting times.
Keeping it real, is having a diverse taste palate. That way, we’re more likely to consider the needs of others, with a worldview different and/or similar to our own. Mature tastes then maturing together with consideration and love for others in our stout rugby and football hearts- Baba Ganoush, why not?! You know it. Peace!
~Music, Sam Cooke – A Change is Gonna Come in honor of Motown Artists contribution to the world for MO-vember rugby nation mugs 2010. Courage to Collaborate And Bee more awesome. Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.5.10~
MEET KALANI JONES, A SAMOAN-KIWI STAR OF AUCKLAND THE SUPERCITY
Kalani Jones (L) of Auckland – The Supercity poses with Lani.
The Samoan-Kiwi hottie looks like her late grandmother, Aunty Maina Werne-Jones - a lady who died in Kenya while on safari, and who had the distinction of having the second most-attended funeral in New Zealand history in 1997 of a Kiwi not born in the green paradise nation. As a woman of Samoa with Mana in The South Pacific, Maina Werne-Jones was down to earth, heavenly-minded, loving and much loved.
Aunty Maina as she was affectionately known, is still sorely missed by Auckland City, Samoa and throughout The Pacific today. Her laugh was magic. She laughed a lot, always sharing her smile and joie de vie with a rare gift of joyful encouragement.
Kalani also looks like her gorgeous momma, Judi Jones. Kalani’s dad, Derek Jones can be found here with Judi, doing their bit providing Samoan-Kiwi flava and inspiration at a transitional time for Porirua City leadership in Wellywood – Hollywood’s sister-city for 3D film making expertise.
Porirua is currently in the middle of a surprise bi-election, as the US Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton has just recently touched down in Wellywood, a film making nation’s capitol city, at the time of writing from Hollywood. There’s a lot going on in New Zealand right now. It’s a hot diverse entertainment nation, destination.
At the top, of the North Island of New Zealand, Kalani lives in Auckland, The Supercity of this beautiful paradise-green nation.
To see Auckland – the City of Kalani Jones and the largest Polynesian and Maori Gateway city in the World (Aloha O’ahu Hawaii of America), GO HERE.
[Lena Horne -great entertainer and blacklisted activist for Humanitarian Human Rights issues and causes, Hollywood Star (the Maori koru taonga version), for Kalani Jones, Hollywood Walk of Fame–photog: Horiwood.Com’s own).
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 11.3.10~
BARRY GLIBB COMMENTS ON CREW LABOR OF 3D FILM MAKING IN NEW ZEALAND – WITH A REPLY FROM ME
“Middle Earth is a 3D film making environment of film making excellence, rich in imagination facilitating diverse culture’s vision (their tino rangatiratanga and unique cultural sovereignty of culture) and their vibrantly entertaining expression in 3D film. Middle Earth is rich in acceptance of others’ difference & a film making haven of World Peace”–Horiwood, 2020′s.
“In 3D, all nations are created equal, in Wellywood film making practices, imagination, execution and delivery of film production excellence.”–Abe Lincoln and Horiwood.
A film is not a film, unless it is made in the Spirit of the experimental filmmaker–Len Lye, filmic artist, Taranaki.
In New Zealand we collaborate and create the world’s next array of Super Heroes in 3D, with powerful messages of good that impact and change the global consciousness and future direction of the world, through Kiwi made pop culture in cinema, merchandising, music soundtracks and entertainment distribution–2020′s
Writes Barry Glibb of the Barry Glibb twitter page:
“Perhaps unemployed Americans should move to New Zealand to become underpaid production assistants for all these movies.”–Barry was responding to: “JAMES CAMERON’S AVATAR SOARS AHEAD ON WINGS OF HOBBIT LAW CHANGE”
A response: HORIWOOD – What a great idea Barry. The lifestyle that nature has to offer Americans, when not on set in New Zealand – is accessible to all – and would more than make up for any pay cuts.
Also, travel – let’s all people grow up and learn, outside their own cultural frames of reference.
It shows security within peoples own sense of identity, when Americans become a minority on distant shores and blend with the world too. Happily.
In New Zealand, people like dialogue, (not one-sided cultural monologue–so Americans will be more than fine in that switch and exchange). Exciting.
With New Zealand’s potential to attract Bollywood and China to New Zealand landscapes to film musicals and action films in NZ too in 3D in the future, the Americans who do make early inroads into NZ 3D filmmaking NOW – will be set with work for life.
NZ is going to become busy. A globally sought after 3D filmmaking nation. How New Zealanders welcome warmly diverse cultures of the world and overseas actors and crew members too (including those from Hollywood, Bollywood, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Dubai, Russia, UK–every now and again–France), will determine the return rate of these nations to NZ as a filmmaking nation. As far as America is concerned (Avatar’s record breaking success as Hollywood’s leading film of all time box office history), New Zealand is a culturally friendly place for Americans to work and conquer from, with a Hollywood-Wellywood partnership.
Conclusion: Your blog Barry, is rocking, albeit as minimalist as it is, I enjoyed the guide to your twitter account. Thanks for commenting. Incidentally New Zealand has 5% more women than men in its total population, so there’s a few girls that wouldn’t mind marrying an American crew member and sharing citizenship and beach views like no other. A lot to look forward to, aye?!
Wellywood is the box office winning 3D Film Franchises Haven of the film making world. Those who find success with their franchises, will all own homes in New Zealand on beach fronts and live there for most of the year. Their kids will be raised there. It’s the new more-relaxed mecca of box office power players, that can deliver proven results. Well, in 2020, this will be so–Wellywood is the World’s 3D Mecca. It is Middle Earth. A meeting place in The Middle for all cultures to realize the cinematic visions, without culture being compromised in the film making process. New Zealand is a culturally rich haven, paradise nation for this to occur for 3D film makers across the globe. Good change ahead in Middle Earth.
I like your thinking Barry, where yes, film crew getting roughed around in Hollywood should move to NZ. Why not! NZ is a nation based on immigrants who joined the Indigenous Maori People, so as one of them, NZ can handle you bonding with us Maori-Kiwi lot. It’s how we came to be as a nation, just like America.
Incidentally how any nation has treated their Indigenous Peoples, is the barometer of all human rights relations in the world. It’s the gage of whether other cultures can be trusted dealing within our shores fairly as nations. So as a Maori-Kiwi if you want to move to NZ, I say… Go for it! Get on board brother. More studios other than WETA will spring up in New Zealand too, in order to handle the demand and keep a fair and competitive 3D filmmaking industry occurring in NZ. The economic possibilities are exciting.
[Images - Costume Design worthy -runway fashions - China in Tokyo & Indian sari]
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood Caifornia
ENTERTAINMENT WRAP UP AND SOME NEWS – SUN 12.19.10
Tron: Legacy earns $43.6 million at the box office to be #1.
You too can watch a total lunar eclipse, early Tuesday.
Shakira teams up with Dora The Explorer to debut a childrens book.
And the rich get richer–Los Angeles Times story.
Taylor Momsen shares Sarah Palin‘s knowledge of geography.
Chinese women can play good chess
Johnny Depp is sighted backstage at a Justin Bieber concert.
Immigrants in the US and The Dream Act
Angelina Jolie gifts Brad Pitt a “family-rock” ring for his 47th birthday.
Mitch O’donell news–Omnibus spending tale.
Saturday Night Live spoofs the Kardashian sisters.
Cancer-causing metal found in Chicago-area tap water
Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron remain besties.
Lady Gaga can’t perform in Paris, France due to crew arrests. Or, a pop star’s day off. Lol!
U.S. Senate OKs Illinois’ first Asian-American federal judge
Burlesque has a Golden Globes controversy on their hands.
Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds may have done lunch in NYC.
Best TV actor at Golden Globes is dubbed the mostly contested category this year.
Arizona and Nevada sue Bank of America over loan modifications–Why only two States?
Of course, President Obama has almost ‘job approval’ from Republicans–4% margin. :)
Christmas stocking stuffers for the pop cultural addict–Washington Post
iPads Arrive at Delta Gates at Kennedy
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA.12.19.10~
December 20, 2010 | Categories: Africa, America, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, California, Cancer Awareness, Chicago, China, Community, Entertainment Celebrity News, Entertainment News, Hollywood Entertainment News, Human Rights, India, Johnny Depp, New York, Politics, Washington D.C, Water, World News | Tags: Africa, America, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, California, Cancer Awareness, Charity Spotlight, Chicago, Childrens Books, China, Commonwealth, Community, Compassion, Entertainment Distribution, Entertainment News, Hollywood Entertainment News, Human Rights, Humanitarian Angels on Horiwood.Com, Humanities, India, Johnny Depp, Justin Bieber, Kate Middleton, New York, Politics, Pop Culture Commentary, Prince William Windsor, Washington, Washington D.C, Water, World News | 1 Comment »